Building Places for Life
Proven expertise
Trusted leadership
Successful projects
Creating Positive Change One Real Estate Project at a Time
True North Companies is a full-spectrum real estate development and commercial construction company, specializing in building communities with lasting impact. With 60 years of combined experience in the commercial real estate industry – ranging from finance to general contracting – True North has the knowledge and know-how to provide our clients with innovative solutions that will positively change how they design, build, and finance their projects. Our team's dedication to customer satisfaction is evident through every step of each project we lead.
Comprised of a diverse group of real estate industry professionals with backgrounds in architecture, construction, consulting, development, education, hospitality, and finance, our team specializes in development projects for multifamily, senior living, mixed-use developments, hospitality, office, retail, and education market segments.
A Company Built on Values
Safety
We believe that prioritizing safety prioritizes what we value most – people.
Respect
We believe all people have value and should be treated with dignity and professionalism.
People
We believe that creating spaces and opportunities for our team, our partners, and ultimately the patrons of the places we build to live their best lives is the touchstone of our business.
Gratitude
We believe gratitude – in both our successes and our challenges – helps us value where we are and maintain a grounded perspective towards growth.
Integrity
We believe that doing the right thing requires unflinching commitment. We’re honest, transparent, and dedicated to doing what’s best for our customers and our company regardless of challenges and circumstances.
Fun
We believe that the most fun aspects of our culture are the joy, humor and camaraderie we share together as we drive the growth of our business.
Advancing Community is Our Priority
Proven expertise
The leadership of True North has over 60 years and $2 billion of combined real estate, development, and construction experience.
Trusted leadership
True North Companies has built a reputation for their experienced and principled leadership and dedication to creating communities that thrive.
Successful projects
True North Companies has completed over 300 projects in various commercial markets including education, mixed use, senior living, office, hospitality, retail, and multifamily housing.
Meet Our Team
Walt Gill
CEO
Walt Gill is the CEO of True North Companies and a visionary leader with over 30 years of experience in construction, development, and investments. He has a heart for the community and for building places where people belong. Through his leadership, True North Companies expanded its real estate footprint across education, mixed-use, multifamily, retail, hospitality, and office segments. Over the years, Walt has successfully completed a variety of construction, development, and investment projects, delivering quality outcomes for clients on time and on budget.
Mickhal Locklear
President
As President of True North Companies, Mickhal oversees the client experience and all facets of True North projects from inception to closeout. He provides strategic leadership and vision by managing day-to-day operations, business development, financial oversight, team development, client relations, and construction and development oversight, ensuring the company’s continued growth and success.
Marc Davis
Chief Financial Officer
Marc is responsible for directing and managing all aspects of the company’s financial strategy, planning, and operations. He works closely with investors and the executive team to position the company for continued growth.
Joseph Fawole
Senior Vice-President Operations & Asset Management
Joseph has the unique ability to build solid and sustaining teams and strong local market expertise. He works closely with stakeholders, including high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors, to optimize investment value through rigorous analysis, innovative business strategies, and effective marketing and management practices. He previously served in various roles in a 20-year career with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts.
Joshua Hall
Senior Vice President of Development
As a Senior Vice President of Development, Josh brings over twenty-two years of experience in real estate development, construction, and design to True North, providing consistent success in delivering high-quality assets at all levels of the industry. In his role, Josh’s responsibilities include leading and mentoring the development and design-build teams as well as overseeing processes, identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, ensuring high levels of client satisfaction and managing stakeholder expectations.
Christi Burton
Business Development and Marketing Manager
As our Business Development and Marketing Manager, Christi Burton is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in marketing and sales. She has honed her skills across various facets of marketing, product development, sales, branding, and growth strategy. Christi is an invaluable asset to our team, driving business development initiatives and spearheading innovative marketing strategies to propel True North’s success.
Stephanie Limbert
Controller
As the Controller at True North, Stephanie takes charge of the financial helm, overseeing a spectrum of responsibilities crucial to the fiscal health and operational efficiency of our organization. With over 20 years of experience, Stephanie contributes meticulous budget preparation, financial analysis, and the creation of comprehensive financial reports of the utmost quality. Collaborating with the project and administrative teams, Stephanie ensures the maintenance of accurate financial records for audit and strategic decision-making.
Tom Underwood
Vice President, Construction
As Vice President of Construction at True North Companies, Tom brings an innovative approach and strong leadership that have driven significant advancements in the company’s projects. Tom is responsible for leading and aligning construction operations in accordance with the company’s strategic goals. He oversees the execution of construction projects, ensuring quality and efficiency while developing and managing construction budgets and financial performance. Additionally, Tom leads and mentors the construction team to achieve operational excellence.
Mark Graffagnino
Senior Development Project Manager
With over 35 years of invaluable experience, Mark is a distinguished Senior Development Project Manager in the construction industry, showcasing a prolific career in steering complex projects to fruition. With profound expertise in delivering strategic solutions, he consistently elevates property endeavors while leaving a lasting imprint on the industry.
Cameron Gill
Development Program Manager
Cameron is adept in the development process within the construction industry. His experience is in real estate management, investments and finance. Cameron’s wealth of knowledge and leadership skills, established throughout his academic career, positions him well to make an impact within True North.
Venus Kendall
Director of Development Services
Venus currently serves as our Director of Development Services. A seasoned professional in real estate development, Venus is renowned for expertly guiding projects to success from initial concept to final execution. Over the years, she has developed a mastery of strategic planning, stakeholder collaboration, and pioneering approaches that optimize property value and foster positive community outcomes.
Jerry Kenny
Director of Construction
As the Director of Construction at True North Companies, Jerry is responsible for leading the construction division and ensuring operational efficiency. He develops and implements effective construction strategies and processes to streamline operations. Jerry oversees project managers and superintendents, ensuring that project delivery meets established standards. Additionally, he manages client relations, focusing on maintaining high levels of client satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.
Sonny Schwab
Chief Estimator
Sonny manages True North’s estimating strategy and planning, including pre-selection of subcontractors and pricing. Sonny’s experience has run the gamut in his 30+ years in the construction industry, from working in the field to project management to estimating. Sonny served as Vice President of Osborne Construction Co. Inc. before joining True North Companies in 2006 as Chief Estimator.
Makayla Kennedy
Client Relations and Operations Manager
Makayla is an accomplished Operations Manager currently serving at True North Companies, where she is responsible for developing and executing operational strategies to drive growth and improve organizational performance. In her current role, Makayla leads the charge in researching developing operational opportunities and plans to streamline processes and increase efficiency.
Tonia D. Benas
Human Resources Generalist
Tonia brings 28 years of HR and People Development experience across the childcare, restaurant, and staffing industries, with roles at companies like McDonald’s, Popeyes, Chick-fil-A, and BELAY Solutions. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Drury University, is a certified life coach, mental health coach, and a licensed Georgia Realtor. Tonia’s diverse background and community involvement make her a valuable addition as she transitions into the commercial construction space.
Patrick Nesbitt
Project Manager
A dynamic and experienced professional in the commercial construction industry, Patrick is responsible for the overall delivery and successful execution of True North projects. He brings a wealth of experience in project management, working for major general contractors such as Winter Construction and Batson-Cook Construction.
Joe Jackson
Development Program Manager
As a seasoned project manager in the commercial construction industry, Joe Jackson brings extensive experience in leading complex projects from conception to completion. With a keen eye for detail and a collaborative approach, Joe has a track record of delivering successful projects on time and within budget.
Jeff Fincher
Director of Design Services
Jeff is responsible for the financing, approvals, and design of infrastructure, multifamily, townhouse, education, and mixed-use development markets. In addition, he oversees all third-party relationships including consultants, public funders, private lenders/equity providers, community organizations, architects, construction managers, and government liaisons.
Evan Thomas
Senior Project Manager
Evan serves as a Senior Project Manager at True North Companies, overseeing a diverse range of projects to ensure their successful completion. He is responsible for leading project teams and providing mentorship and guidance to foster professional growth and effective collaboration. Evan manages project budgets, timelines, and quality control to meet company standards and client expectations. Additionally, he is dedicated to building and maintaining strong client relationships, ensuring consistent satisfaction and trust.
Will McDonald
Education Project Director
Will’s career in construction, account management, and operations spans 38 years. He has held responsibility for building projects throughout the Southeast including high rise buildings, government, hospitality, medical, education facilities, churches, highway, bridges, sport complexes and sport fields. At the heart of his tenure is the recognition of his dedicated customer service skills, ensuring a seamless client experience for True North’s partners.
Stephaine Croff
Senior Project Accountant
Stephaine brings over 23 years of experience in accounting to True North and its partners. Her early career in the banking industry led to her gaining invaluable experience in freight forwarding and construction. She attended Kaplan University and is recognized for her talents in project accounting and customer service.
Pat Burgess
Project Accountant
Pat will lead multiple accounting roles across True North’s portfolio including budgeting, supplier contracts, production pricing and general accounting. He recently held the role of Staff Accountant with EFACEC, USA and Workshop Advisor with RBM of Atlanta.
Colton Collins
Project Manager
Colton is a highly accomplished and results-driven Project Manager with a strong track record in commercial construction and real estate development. He has proven expertise in delivering complex projects on time and within budget, with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to quality. Colton received his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management at Colorado State University.
Ashley Waefler
Assistant Pre-Construction Manager
In this role, Ashley supports managing projects through the pre-construction phase while coordinating with our in-house Development, Design, and Construction departments to ensure a successful project is handed over to the Construction team. She closely partners with the Pre-Construction Manager to manage budgets, constructability reviews, and the buyout process.
Richard Hilton
Senior Project Superintendent
Richard leads True North’s dedicated efforts to project design and delivery for Charter Schools in South Carolina. He brings over 21 years of experience in the construction industry from conception to completion in residential, multi-family, education, commercial, and nuclear plants. He is known for exceptional project management skills in the delivery of client goals and results.
Matt Slay
Superintendent
Matt brings over 30 years of experience to True North Companies from multiple fields in the construction industry. He holds responsibility for managing on-site account construction projects, planning, scheduling, budgets, supplier contracts, evaluating production costs, participating in pre-construction strategy sessions, coordinating subcontractor work and providing leadership in managing schedules.
Mike Kiker
Superintendent
As a Superintendent for True North, Mike will invest over 30 years of expertise gained across the construction industry including retail shopping centers, medical buildings, multifamily, condominium, townhomes, schools, and churches into our growing portfolio. He has worked on notable retail projects for Kroger, Publix, and JC Penney’s. In his new role, he will oversee teams in the design and delivery of on-site account construction projects including planning, scheduling, budgets, supplier contracts, evaluating production costs, participating in pre-construction strategy sessions, coordinating subcontractor work, and providing technical expertise to ensure the quality and timely completion of the project.
Tim Kiker
Superintendent
Tim has over thirty years of experience in construction and has been a part of medical, multi-family, office, and commercial builds. Tim manages on-site account construction projects including planning, scheduling, budgets, supplier contracts, evaluating production costs, participating in pre-construction strategy sessions, coordinating subcontractor work, and providing technical expertise to ensure the quality and timely completion of the project.
Jason Paterchak
Superintendent
Jason is a seasoned Superintendent, boasting over 17 years of hands-on experience within the construction industry. With a demonstrated history of delivering successful projects, he excels in coordinating teams, optimizing resources, and adhering to strict safety and quality standards. Jason’s expertise and leadership contribute to consistently achieving on-time and within-budget project completion, earning him a reputation as a trusted professional in the field.
Tunde Abass
Assistant Superintendent
Tunde Abass is a valuable addition to the True North team, bringing over 20 years of expertise in construction and property management. With a bachelor’s degree from Kennesaw State University, Tunde’s versatility shines through his work across diverse projects. His dedication, coupled with a diverse portfolio spanning banks, churches, schools, and office buildings, underscores his invaluable contribution to our team.
Richard Harrison
Assistant Superintendent
Richard brings experience to True North in the specialty fields of electrical contractors, welding, and structural steel project management, as well as working with multifamily apartment renovations. He also served for ten years in law enforcement. Richard attended West Georgia Technical College with a focus on welding and iron works. He holds responsibility for supervising on-site construction projects ensuring each project is constructed according to design, budget and schedule, while interfacing with clients, officials, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers.
Evin Patten
Assistant Project Manager
Evin serves as an Assistant Project Manager at True North Companies, where he plays a vital role in the planning, coordination, and execution of construction projects. He supports project managers to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget while enhancing client relations and ensuring customer satisfaction. Evin also facilitates communication between team members and stakeholders, contributing to the seamless progression of each project.
Grace Mask
Project Engineer
Grace has joined the True North team as a Project Engineer, bringing a degree in Construction Management from Kennesaw State University. With a solid foundation in project planning and execution, paired with a passion for problem-solving, she is a natural fit with True North’s mission, values, and vision. Grace will collaborate closely with our project team, playing a key role in planning and coordinating project activities to ensure that each project’s goals and objectives are successfully achieved.
Jody Waddell
Project Engineer
With a strong background in project management and a keen eye for detail, Jody plays a crucial role in ensuring the seamless planning, coordination, and execution of our designated projects and delivering exceptional projects that align with True North’s mission, values, and vision. Jody comes alongside our project team in planning, directing, and coordinating activities of a designated project to ensure that goals or objectives of each project are accomplished.
We Plan. You Succeed.
With decades of combined team experience under our belt, we understand the high stakes involved across the ever-changing commercial real estate landscape.
You have a vision for maximizing your risk-adjusted returns while finding the right partner to get you where you want go – further and faster. With so much on the line, you need a partner with the right skills and relationships to navigate this complex market.
Hundreds of companies have trusted True North to guide them in creating and delivering a real estate roadmap that leads to successful results.
Schedule a call to get your custom project started today.
